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Ian Hunter drops bid to force GOP primary against John Katko in 24th Congressional District

Ian Hunter Fights to Remain on Ballot in Republican Primary for Mayor of Syracuse.

Ian Hunter, of Syracuse, told his supporters Saturday that we would drop his bid to force a Republican primary against John Katko in the 24th Congressional District.
(By Michelle Gabel | mgabel@syracuse.com)

WASHINGTON -- Ian Hunter, a conservative Republican who insisted for months that he would try to force a GOP primary in the 24th Congressional District, abruptly abandoned the effort Saturday night.

Hunter, 72, of Syracuse, told supporters in a letter that he wants to help the campaign of Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, who is trying to launch a Republican primary challenge against Rep. Richard Hanna, R-Barneveld, in the neighboring 22nd Congressional District.

"Congressman Hanna has not been a friend of the fiscally conservative during his time in office, and I will do everything I can to prevent him from obtaining any further terms," Hunter wrote to his supporters.

"Claudia has been outspoken on important issues of civil liberties, and has been very strongly opposed to Common Core curriculum," Hunter added. "It appears that Central New York conservatives have an excellent opportunity to get on board with a winning candidate, and I proudly announce my desire to help with this effort."

Hunter for weeks had insisted that he would gather petition signatures for a spot on the June 24 primary ballot against Republican John Katko, of Camillus. Katko won the GOP designation on March 1 for the November election against Rep. Dan Maffei, D-Syracuse.

Hunter stopped short of endorsing Katko on Saturday.

"Here in NY-24, it is my sincere hope that John Katko will listen to the conservative grassroots of the GOP, and that he will faithfully represent our interests in Congress," Hunter said. "Although I have no guarantees of this, I will continue to press him on the important issues at every opportunity, and will continue to actively promote the conservative cause."